Arthroscopic Posterior Capsulotomy for Knee Flexion Contracture Using a Spinal Needle

Knee flexion contractures can arise from posterior capsule arthrofibrosis secondary to trauma, surgery, or chronic degenerative disease. This leads to limited knee extension and increased mechanical stress on the contralateral joint. Depending on the severity of the contracture, a treatment option may include surgical release of the posterior capsule. Arthroscopic posterior capsular release has been reported previously to have excellent resolution of extension deficits with minimal risk of postoperative complications. These techniques typically use an array of instruments, including shavers, biters, or scissors to perform arthrolysis of the posteromedial and posterolateral capsules. Our primary objective is to present a modified arthroscopic surgical technique for percutaneous treatment of knee flexion contracture using a spinal needle to perform a posterior capsule release.